From her office in Dubai, Lila Daoudi manages JCDecaux’s workforce in the Middle East with an iron hand. In this interview, Lila tells Bayt.com what sets JCDecaux apart, what makes a truly great hire, and how Bayt.com has helped her filter out the best candidates out there. More about Lila Daoudi… Lila Daoudi has been working with JCDecaux Middle East for almost 6 years. She started out as Personal Assistant to the Managing Director in 2008, then Office Manager in 2009. Her role since 2011 is specifically to look after Human Resources on a regional level. In her capacity as HR Manager for the Middle East, Lila manages employee life cycle from recruitment to end of contract, which includes administrative management, talent appraisal, career development and compensation and benefits. Her regional role consists in developing and implementing regional standards and policies in Human Resources for JCDecaux subsidiaries in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. Lila has a Bachelor’s degree in Translation from Algiers University, and is currently preparing for an Executive Diploma in Human Resources (Master’s level). 1. How do you like living and working in the UAE? I found the UAE – Dubai in particular – absolutely amazing when I arrived 5 years ago, and I still believe that this country has the potential to accomplish a lot in the future. Working in Dubai is definitely a chance for me to evolve within a unique mix of cultural diversity, and safety and security environment – which is rather rare. 2. Can you describe the work culture at JCDecaux? When you work at JCDecaux, you are working for the world leader in out-of-home media, with more than 10,000 employees in 55 countries. JCDecaux Middle East is the regional holding, headquartered in Dubai. Regardless of what your role may be at JCDecaux, you will be working with friendly and enthusiastic people who are genuinely passionate about our business. Our multicultural work environment provides you with the opportunity to collaborate with people not only across the GCC, but on an international basis as well. We aim to reward people who demonstrate a positive outlook and a passion for hard work. We expect our team to take ownership and pride in its roles. Sharing ideas, finding solutions, and working in a respectful workplace are essential hallmarks of the day-to-day life at JCDecaux Group. At JCDecaux we continuously strive for excellence and integrate our core values of quality, integrity, and creativity into every aspect of our business activities. 3. What is the biggest challenge recruiters face in hiring talent in your industry? As the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide, it’s easier for JCDecaux to find talented candidates than for our competitors, however that does not make it an easy process. Outdoor advertising is a very specific segment of advertising. Our business model demonstrates our ability to penetrate a market and set strong corporate standards for all of our subsidiaries across the GCC. In addition, we do not just offer a salary package and benefits; we offer a career perspective and prove it on daily basis when opening new offices by preferring internal promotion. I suppose I’m the best example for this, as I started 5 years ago as a Personal Assistant. 4. What is the most important thing JCDecaux looks for in new hires? Of course we look for talent, but first of all we look for ‘potential’. The average age at JCDecaux Middle East is 33 years old. Top managers are just above 40 years old. Candidates must show interest in our industry, there is nothing worse than interviewing a candidate who has little knowledge about what we do. Motivation should be any applicant’s motto, as it affects future performance. This motto should remain with them as long as they are with us. 5. What is your top tip for fresh graduates? To find a job in the current global economy isn’t easy, and it’s even harder when you have competition from all around the world. One needs to stand out of the crowd; holding a degree is no longer enough. I often recommend fresh graduates who apply at JCDecaux Middle East to start with an internship which is the best way to get into the active working life, and more important, to get noticed by a future employer. Working for an MNC will definitely give an added value to a CV. We had 15 interns in 2012 in different departments. JCDecaux Middle East has agreements with several universities which include American University Dubai, American University in Cairo, and La Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, as well as several universities in France. 6. What do you read to keep abreast of industry developments? I stay tuned to any news on the internet and have several feeds on HR topics. I also participate in group discussions on professional networks and often read field trends published by specialized agencies. Apart from that, I’m preparing for a professional diploma in Human Resources. 7.What advice do you have for companies wishing to retain top talent? Employee turnover is a vast subject, and to understand why employees leave is a long process that every company should go through to understand why employees would stay. For me, a clear vision and communication are key elements to retain talent. No one wants to work for a company where internal communication is poor or nonexistent and where no one knows where the company is heading. It reinforces dissatisfaction and makes employees feel they are not praised for their work. To create an environment where employees develop a strong feeling of belonging is for me the best way to have those whom you value stay. Surprisingly, it’s not always a matter of salary and multinational companies must have more to give than a number on a pay slip. Job satisfaction and organizational commitment are absolutely vital to maintain work group cohesion. 8. Finally, what is your favorite feature on Bayt.com? I find it easy to screen applicants CVs when looking for candidates with specific skills. With its several search criteria, the search tool on Bayt.com is definitely one of the best I’ve used so far.
